In Australia the decision is entirely up to the property owner, however, emergency services do have the authority to prevent people entering a threatened area (including property owners). This works well because it is recognised that correctly equipped, prepared and trained property owners actually assist fire fighters. However poorly equipped and untrained ones hinder them.

Therefore, every summer, there is a massive community based training and information program in fire risk areas. Over the years this has lead to reductions in both property and lost lives. The reduction in lost lives comes because people involved know how to make good decisions.

The fundamental decision they make is whether to stay and fight or leave. They are all instructed to make that decision early - before there is a fire threat - based on their capacity to fight a possible fire. Then the authorities announce a recommendation for those who have decided to leave an area when to do so.

Those that leave are taught how to prepare their properties to mitigate losses. Community based fire fighting units know the status of each property and will deploy resources in an attempt to save those that are well prepared as these have a chance. Unprepared properties are simply left to chance - any one who has ever faced a fire front will understand why.